F1 Grand Prix more than just a race

In 2016, the F1 Grand Prix is a huge drawcard for the whole family, with its fancy food, live music, Disney characters, DJs and... fast cars!

There really is something for everyone at this year's F1 Grand Prix in Melbourne on 17-20 March. Here are seven good reasons to get yourself trackside.

Foodies
From hot dogs to jamón, the F1 has your culinary back. And M-Lane in the Action Zone appears to be the pick of the pack with food trucks and pop-up restaurant offerings from the likes of Maha, Bar Lourinha, Estelle, St Kilda Burger Bar, Mary and a Little Lamb, Sliders on Tyres, Those Guys and Nem N Nem.

Music
The 47-act line-up sees this year's F1 as much music festival as it is race meet. There will be seven precincts located around the circuit over the four-day event: The Honda Motorcycle Stage in Legends Lane, V8 Village Stage and the Premium Zone, F1 Fan Zone Stage, M-Lane Stage, GP Advantage Enclosure and corporate Pit Stops.

Artists include Sneaky Sound System, The Rogue Traders, Spiderbait, Samantha Jade, Vaudeville Smash, Johnny Wonderpants, Dan O'Connor, the Johnny Rollins Band, Josh Owens, Generik, YO! MAFIA and APAX.

Kids
The Kids' Corner is a complete interactive zone with attractions from Disney's Star Wars and Pixar Cars to Porsche Kids Driving School and inflatable slides. It's a dedicated child-friendly zone where kids can watch on or get involved. There's space to run around, tables and chairs, shade and food vans. You can even view the track from nearby Brocky's Hill. Kids fourteen years and under get free general admission on all four days. Your closest gates are eight and nine.

Trackside Tipples
From the Petaluma Wines to James Boag's beer and more. You may go far, but you will not go thirsty.

Car Clubs
From Aston Martin and Ferrari to Ford and Holden, there are 35 unique car displays featuring around 400 vehicles located throughout the GP venue.

Exhibitionists & Enthusiasts
Located in F1 Central, the Pit Stop Challenge lets you change the tyres of a replica Formula 1 racecar in a timed challenge. Pressure, with an audience!  Or head to the Coates Hire V8 Village to get up close with your favourite V8 drivers – selfies, autographs and the like. Your ticket gives you access to all support paddocks, for free.

Social Vibe
If you're more interested in the track vibe than the actual cars, then the F1 Park After Dark tickets are your thing. Priced from $25, you get access to the circuit from 4-8pm on Thursday or Friday to enjoy everything the Grand Prix has to offer... including F1 cars, testing between 4.30-6pm on Friday.

Meet the Drivers
The Melbourne Walk is a unique offer where fans can press-the-flesh, so to speak, with F1 drivers as they walk to the Formula One Paddock each day – selfies, autographs, etc. Walk times - Thursday 10:15-12; Friday 10:15-12; Saturday 10:15-12:30; Sunday 10:15-12:30.

For full details or to buy tickets head to the website